Professed Expectations

Per the CG Customary, the support and involvement in this Community by our Professed Members determines our viability and credibility as a recognized Christian Community within the Church. It’s also needed simply because Professed Members are a part of our family!  Expectations listed here are not meant to be a burden, but rather to be used as guidelines that help us build and maintain cohesiveness and strength to fulfill our Charism and responsibilities toward one another. This becomes even more important in a volatile social structure within which we find ourselves today.

NURTURING

Nurturing  is the ongoing care and support of people on their spiritual journeys as they continue their monastic practice.  To maintain good standing within the Community, Professed Members agree to:

  •  Maintain a local spiritual support network

  • Find another CG Member with whom to journey

  • Faithfully fulfill the vows of Daily Prayer, Reflective Study and Service

  • Participate in Holy Eucharist, at least weekly whenever possible

  • Attend Convocations regularly as offered

  • Support the Community with some combination of time, talents, and/or treasures (There are many ways to help the Community – large or small, they all count)

  •  Attend private retreats at other monastic institutions

ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability not only serves as a guidepost for the individual Professed Member, it also adds strength and credibility to the Community.  To maintain good standing within the Community, Professed Members agree to:

  •  Respond promptly to messages from other Community members, especially from the Guardian, Chaplain, or Bishop Visitor

  •  Complete a brief Embertide Report when asked to do so.

  •  Abide by the spirit and intent of the Common Rule

  • Renew their vows annually, either at Convocation or some other acceptable method per the Guardian

  • Keep their Personal Rule of Life current, and share it with the Guardian when asked to do so.

  • Respond to other reasonable requests from time to time

This list of expectations may change from time to time.  Members will be informed of changes via email or regular mail.  It is the responsibility of the Guardian or Council (in the absence of a Guardian) to alert Professed Members if and when their standing within the Community becomes inactive.  It is understood that members sometimes face special life challenges, and exceptions to these expectations may be made after consultation with the Guardian or Council.  Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate and assist the Member in those situations.